The only English side to win the trophy lifted it for the second time on Saturday, stunning the Catalans for a first continental triumph in 18 years
Arsenal stunned Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final on Saturday to win the competition for the first time since 2007. It was the Gunners' first appearance in the showpiece game since that triumph some 18 years ago, one of several facts that made them underdogs against a Barca side that has lifted this trophy three times in the past four seasons. However, Arsenal snatched it from them in Lisbon, as super-sub Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal in a monumental 1-0 win.
It was always going to be a game about defensive focus and constant concentration for the English side, with the Catalans so dominant on the ball and boasting incredible strength in depth that few sides in the world can compete with. But Arsenal did well to enjoy good spells of their own and actually had the better of the chances in the first half, with an own goal by Irene Paredes ruled out for offside before Frida Maanum forced Cata Coll into a strong fingertip save.
Barca weren't at the races in that first 45 minutes and it felt inevitable that they would improve after the break – but the Gunners stood tall despite that happening and limited their opponents to very few clear-cut opportunities. Indeed, Daphne van Domselaar only had one save of note to make, to deny Aitana Bonmati from range, as most other efforts flew off target or comfortably into her arms. Instead, the two biggest chances of the game would fall to the Gunners and, specifically, Blackstenius. She couldn't put the first away, denied by Coll's legs, but she made no mistake when Beth Mead cleverly picked her out just three minutes later, finishing ruthlessly to make Arsenal, against all odds, the champions of Europe.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Estadio Jose Alvalade…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Daphne van Domselaar (6/10):
Was unconvincing with how she dealt with several crosses, but fortunately not in a way that cost her team. Made a great save to deny Bonmati in the second half.
Emily Fox (8/10):
Supported the attack brilliantly, allowing Arsenal to have a lot of joy down the right, and also defended heroically.
Leah Williamson (8/10):
Was absolutely immense all evening, with a superb tackle to thwart Pajor in the box in the first half one of her stand-out moments.
Steph Catley (7/10):
Defended stoutly. Often stepped out and made some good passes to kickstart attacks, too.
Katie McCabe (7/10):
Didn't gallop forward as readily as usual, instead sticking to the task of limiting the impact Graham Hansen could make, which she did well.
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Kim Little (8/10):
Did a lot of good work off the ball and was tidy in possession when she had it.
Mariona Caldentey (7/10):
Surprisingly poor on the ball on a few occasions, giving Barca the ball in good areas, but improved as the game went on. Used her experience well once Arsenal went ahead.
Frida Maanum (6/10):
Was one of Arsenal's liveliest players in the first half, forcing a great save out of Coll. Quieter after the break, though.
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Chloe Kelly (6/10):
Relatively quiet in attack, and quite loose in possession at times, but worked hard and did a lot of good stuff off the ball.
Alessia Russo (7/10):
Held the ball up well and created a couple of openings off the back of doing so.
Caitlin Foord (8/10):
Honoured her defensive duties brilliantly while also providing an effective outlet to get Arsenal up the pitch amid spells of pressure.
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Stina Blackstenius (8/10):
Looked like she'd missed the big chance Arsenal were waiting for but made amends just a few minutes later with the crucial winner.
Beth Mead (8/10):
Provided a sublime disguised pass for Blackstenius' goal.
Lina Hurtig (N/A):
Made her final Arsenal appearance in the last few minutes.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (N/A):
Added more solidity to the back line in stoppage-time.
Renee Slegers (8/10):
Set her team up brilliantly and made her changes at the perfect time, with Mead and Blackstenius then combining for the match-winning goal. What an incredible job she has done since taking over in October.
